Chances of new rules adopted before next season slim
Possibility of executive calling a vote in November
The era of profitability and sustainability rules (PSR) in the Premier League will likely continue after another quarterly shareholders’ meeting ended without progress on adopting new measures of financial governance.
League executives have spent the past 18 months attempting to introduce two new ways of controlling spending in the competition with clubs reluctant to sign up, despite a number of sides falling foul of the current PSR system. There was more discussion over possible rule changes at a meeting in central London on Tuesday, but no vote. The likelihood is that the executive will call a vote in November, with sources arguing the issue needs to be resolved. If a vote is not called, or fails to pass, the chances of any new system being introduced by next season will fall away.
Sources suggest discussions at the meeting on Tuesday were focused on addressing issues raised by individual clubs, with perspectives often diverging according to a club’s position within the competition. One of the two proposals, known as the squad-cost ratio, would limit spending on wages to 85% of revenue. Nine of the league’s 20 clubs are already committed to such a system as a result of qualifying for Europe and are understood to value the flexibility PSR provides domestically.
